The Essential Guide to Flossing: Why It’s a Must for Your Oral Health

At Smiles of Spokane, we often hear patients say, “Do I really need to floss?” The short answer is: absolutely! Flossing is a crucial component of oral hygiene that goes hand-in-hand with brushing. Let’s dive into why flossing is so important and how to do it properly.

Why Flossing Matters

1. Removes Plaque and Food Particles: Flossing reaches the areas that your toothbrush can’t. It helps remove plaque and food particles between your teeth and under the gumline, preventing the buildup that can lead to cavities and gum disease.
2. Prevents Gum Disease: Gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, can develop when plaque accumulates along the gumline. Flossing helps remove this plaque, reducing your risk of gum inflammation and infection.
3. Reduces Bad Breath: Food particles trapped between your teeth can lead to bad breath. Flossing helps remove these particles, keeping your breath fresh.
4. Improves Overall Health: Poor oral health has been linked to several systemic conditions, including heart disease and diabetes. By maintaining good oral hygiene, including flossing, you contribute to your overall well-being.

How to Floss Properly

Flossing might seem straightforward, but doing it correctly is essential to reap its benefits. Follow these steps for effective flossing:

1. Choose Your Floss: Select a floss that works for you. Whether it’s waxed, unwaxed, flavored, or dental tape, the best floss is the one you’ll use consistently.
2. Use Enough Floss: Break off about 18 inches of floss. Wind most of it around one of your middle fingers, and the rest around the opposite middle finger. Leave about 1-2 inches of floss to work with.
3. Hold and Guide: Hold the floss taut between your thumbs and index fingers. Gently slide it between your teeth using a back-and-forth motion.
4. Curve and Clean: Curve the floss around the base of each tooth, making a C shape. Gently slide it under the gumline and clean the side of the tooth. Move to a clean section of floss for each tooth.
5. Be Gentle: Avoid snapping or forcing the floss, as this can irritate or damage your gums.

Flossing Alternatives

If traditional flossing is challenging for you, consider these alternatives:

• Floss Picks: Handy and portable, floss picks are a convenient option for on-the-go flossing.
• Water Flossers: These devices use a stream of water to remove plaque and food particles between teeth and along the gumline.
• Interdental Brushes: Small brushes designed to clean between teeth, especially useful for people with braces or larger gaps.

Make Flossing a Habit

Incorporating flossing into your daily routine is key to maintaining optimal oral health. Here are some tips to make it a habit:

• Set a Reminder: Keep your floss next to your toothbrush as a visual cue to floss every day.
• Floss at the Same Time: Whether it’s morning or night, stick to a specific time of day to floss.
• Track Your Progress: Use a calendar or an app to track your flossing routine and stay motivated.

Conclusion

Flossing is an essential part of your oral hygiene routine. It helps keep your teeth and gums healthy, prevents bad breath, and contributes to your overall health. At Smiles of Spokane, we encourage all our patients to make flossing a daily habit. If you have any questions about flossing techniques or need personalized advice, don’t hesitate to ask during your next visit!